M1A Barrel suggestions, and build questions?

[Zak Smith]

I'd like a quick rundown of the barrel choices - both length, profile, and manufacturer.

The builder I'm talking to has mentioned he normally uses a Barnett Medium contour barrel, but there's also Citadel or Criterion standard GI-profile barrels available.

Is the 22" barrel worthwhile? It seems like most other battle rifles have 20" barrels.

Which muzzle attachment is better? The standard slot-type FH, the Vortex FH / front sight base, or the Vortex direct connect?

What methods are available for mount optics in the "scout" position? I know there's the KAC RAS available...

thanks
Zak

 

[Gewehr98]

Big fan of Krieger, myself.

I went with their medium contour Chrome-Moly barrel, which is heavier under the handguard and forend, while still maintaining the original GI contour from the gas spindle forward.

The standard USGI flash hider, with NM exit hole dimensions, hasn't caused me any troubles or loss of accuracy. I understand that switching from a USGI flash hider to the California-legal muzzlebrake/compensator has caused a shift in POI for owners of guns out there wanting to comply with SB23.

Can't help on scout scope mounts. The M14/M1A is kind of a heavy rifle to make Jeff Cooper's Scout criteria, so one really has to want that type of configuration. That's where the shorter barrel comes in, I suppose. 2" of burn time for 7.62mm NATO/.308 Winchester probably isn't going to cause as much grief to the external ballistics as the change from a 20" M16 to 14" (or shorter) M4.